Archived Press Releases

Virginia Living Museum reopens at noon Monday, Sept. 29 after hurricane Isabel; wildflower sale and Monarchs to Mexico rescheduled 
Sept. 29, 2003 
 

The Virginia Living Museum reopened at noon, Monday, Sept. 29, after electrical power and telephone service were restored to the museum building.

The museum was closed for 10 days following hurricane Isabel because it had no electrical power and sustained extensive tree damage to the outdoor animal exhibits and 1/2-mile boardwalk.

"We are saddened by the number of trees lost during the hurricane, but grateful no animals were injured. Our staff is dedicated to restoring the boardwalk as soon as possible," said Gloria Lombardi, the museum's executive director. Lombardi estimated the hurricane cost the museum more than $200,000 in damages and lost business.

Both the current museum building and the new building, scheduled to open in the spring, came through the hurricane unscathed. However, numerous trees fell across the new 1/2-mile boardwalk and in the animal exhibits.

None of the animals in the outdoor exhibits were injured because they all spent the hurricane in their safe houses. The coyotes and bobcats will be off exhibit until their exhibit areas can be cleared of downed trees and the fences rebuilt. A section of the boardwalk will be closed until repairs are completed.

The museum lost about 80 mature trees, mostly along the boardwalk and in the wetland area.

Museum staff members repaired part of the boardwalk in the days immediately after the hurricane. The remainder of the work will be done by professional tree, fence and boardwalk companies. The museum has not yet received estimates on when the work will be completed.

Inside the museum, generators kept most of the fish, reptiles and amphibians alive in the museum's aquariums. Curatorial Director George Mathews reported about 12 fish were lost, including several trout and a stingray obtained for the expansion, because building temperatures were above 80 degrees for much of the week.

Events rescheduled

The museum's fall wildflower sale has been rescheduled to Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12. More than 40 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and small trees suitable for a variety of garden sites will be available. Sale hours are Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. The sale is held rain or shine. Admission is free.

Monarchs to Mexico, an adult fund-raising party, has been rescheduled to Friday, Oct. 24. The event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. It will include Latin music and dancing, southwestern cuisine, cash bar and silent auction. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets sold for the original date, Oct. 3, will be honored on Oct. 24.

The museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News (exit 258-A off I-64). For additional information, call 757-595-1900 or visit the web site at www.valivingmuseum.org.